The CERAMLASER research project, ‘Development of Low-Temperature Ceramic Products Processed Using Laser Furnace Technology’, was successfully completed in October, demonstrating the potential of this innovative technology. The project is a public-private research partnership involving Euroarce, through Color Esmalt, and the University of Zaragoza, through research groups such as the Laser Applications Laboratory at ICMA, a joint research institute of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University of Zaragoza.
Following three years of research, beginning in 2023, the project has made significant progress in developing new ceramic materials that can be processed at lower temperatures than those traditionally used, while remaining compatible with glazes and coatings that require high temperatures to achieve their functional and aesthetic properties.
One of the project’s key achievements has been the successful validation of laser furnace technology as an innovative alternative for the thermal treatment of ceramic surfaces. By concentrating energy precisely on the surface of a ceramic piece without affecting the underlying material, this technology makes it possible to apply advanced glazes and coatings to substrates processed at lower temperatures.
The results confirm the potential of laser technology to significantly reduce energy consumption in ceramic manufacturing. This improvement also translates into a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions, supporting the industry’s sustainability and decarbonisation goals.
The project has also demonstrated that ceramic materials can be produced with properties comparable to those of standard porcelain stoneware products, while meeting the quality requirements established by industry regulations and the market.
For Euroarce and Color Esmalt, participating in this initiative has provided an opportunity to drive technological innovation in advanced ceramic materials, further strengthening their commitment to developing more sustainable, efficient and competitive solutions for the industry.
The successful completion of CERAMLASER marks another step towards a ceramic industry with a lower environmental impact, supported by disruptive technologies that combine technical excellence, energy efficiency and sustainability.